About the Maker

Show Schedule: I will be attending
the following 2010 Shows. If you find a particular knife model
interesting please let me know and I will make every effort to have
at least 1 knife in that style. You, the collector, has always
been my best source for which knives are most desired/in demand.

Atlanta Blade Show: June 10th - 12th 2011

A.G. Russell's Knife Event:
July 29th - 31st 2011

All the best,

Dan

August 2008: Much has changed in the last year.
I am now a full voting member of the Knifemakers' Guild. The
board of Directors, and many of its members, have shared a great
deal of their knowledge to help me reach this milestone. I
also want to thank my customers for putting their trust in me.
Your support has allowed me to become a full time knife maker.
Some of you may have also noticed that I have a new address.
On July 28th we moved to a new home that has a dedicated shop for
making knives. It is another big step to improve quality,
creativity, and ultimately value for each and every knife I make.

June 2007: My adventure into custom knives began 5 years ago when I started
hunting with my father-in-law and his friends. However, the factory
knives I used were just not performing well. In my search for a
better knife, I came across an A.G. Russell catalog and I was amazed
at all the custom and semi-custom knives that were available. After
buying and using one in the field, I found myself creating a
collection of custom knives.

I wanted to make my own knife and while I've had an extensive wood
shop for 20 years, I did not have experience with steel. It started
to become an obsession and I read every knife book I could find. I
don't know why it didn't click earlier, but
during several
conversations with my brother, he started answering all of my
questions just as if he were giving me directions to the local
hardware store. The light came on. My brother had been a machinist
and Tool & Die maker for over 25 years. Now I had no more excuses
not to try. In a few short months I was hooked. That was 2 years
ago.

To date, I've made just about every type of fixed blade there is and
while I do work with steels such as ATS34 and D2, Damascus is my
favorite. There's just something magical each time I pull the blade
out of the etching solution and see the pattern in its finished
state. Early in 2005, I found that folding knives offer the best
opportunity to express my artwork and to create truly unique knives.

My goals have always been: First, make a knife that can be a
"working knife." Blade length must be sufficient to do the job.
Blade temper is matched to the type of steel. The knife must be
comfortable and balanced in the hand. Second, the fit and finish
must be as close to perfect as possible. Even the smallest gap or
crack between the scales and the core will, over time, cause the
scales to pull away or become loose. Finally, the knife must be
visibly pleasing and have enough detail that there is no doubt it is
a custom knife. So whether one of my knives is used during hunting
season or displayed in a collection, I want the owner to always be
proud of it.

Please note:
It is the responsibility of the buyer, to ascertain, and obey, all applicable
local, state, federal and international laws in regard to the possession,
and or use, of any item purchased from Blade Art Inc. By placing an
order, the buyer represents that they, he or she is of legal age and
that the products ordered will be used in a lawful manner. Blade Art
Inc. assumes no responsibility for any harm or injury resulting from
the sale, trade, use or handling of any product purchased from us or
our distributors & dealers.